St Dunstan's College Senior Prospectus - For Entry September 2021 by St Dunstan's College

SENIOR SCHOOL PROSPECTUS Entry September 2021

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

WELCOME I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

WELCOME TO THE SENIOR SCHOOL ‘Pupils of all ages display excellent knowledge, skills and understanding and become resilient in their learning as they move through the school’ Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2019

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I WELCOME

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

WELCOME I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

HEADMASTER’S WELCOME Translating as ‘Adorn the White’, our College motto, Albam Exorna, is as relevant today as it was at the time of our Lewisham foundation, in 1888. The white shield that serves as three quarters of our College crest is a blank canvas onto which is emblazoned the as-yetunwritten story of each St Dunstan’s pupil. We cherish our school of unique characters, each being encouraged to navigate their own journey through life whilst being nurtured to develop the Courage to be who they are, the Creativity to develop new ideas and approaches, the Confidence to try, succeed and fail, the Compassion to understand and appreciate others, and the Curiosity to always want to discover more. Our vision seeks to capitalise upon the rich and imaginative history of our College without being constrained by it, delivering a deliberately ambitious and forward-thinking approach to education without losing sight of the importance of supporting and inspiring individuality. St Dunstan’s aspires for all our young people to thrive in every way – personally, physically, socially and academically - and the breadth of our curriculum and co-curriculum is entirely designed to support that ambition. Our community makes us who we are – our vibrant and grounded Lewisham location, our rich and inspiring history, our co-educational setting, and our eclectic Dunstonians, near and far – all of this sets the tone for a community that is particularly well positioned to embrace the range of challenge and opportunity presented by the globalised world of which we are now a part. I hope this prospectus gives you an insight into life at St Dunstan’s, through the voices of some of our current students, as well as all the information you need regarding our curriculum, pastoral care and extensive co-curricular offering. I hope you will be inspired to come and visit for yourselves, and we look forward to welcoming you to the College at an open event in the near future.

Mr Nicholas Hewlett Headmaster

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I WELCOME

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

YEAR 7 JOURNEY I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

A YEAR 7 JOURNEY ‘When I first joined Year 7 I was anxious about not settling in, but the teachers were supportive and kind and ensured that everyone was comfortable and happy. At the beginning of the year, we shared our personal school shields that we had designed to describe ourselves and our interests. This was a great way to get to know the form and make new friends. The first week was daunting – to familiarise myself with a new

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

timetable and navigate my way around the school but the older students were happy to give directions and within a few days I felt very happy and I was excited to start the new subjects! The Year 7 Bushcraft trip is a highlight from the first term and was a great chance to make friends in the other forms. I have also made lots of friends through the co-curricular activities and sports clubs where the teachers encourage you to take part

and try something new. From our first day, we were taught how to use the Firefly homework app so we always know what needs to be done and by when! I’m really enjoying all my new subjects but I especially love PE and English as there are so may creative activities. Even though this year has been cut short, I have enjoyed all of it and the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 was very smooth and easy!’ Year 7 student

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I YEAR 7 JOURNEY

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

ACADEMIC LIFE I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

ACADEMIC LIFE AN AMBITIOUS CULTURE OF INDIVIDUALISED LEARNING AND ACHIEVEMENT St Dunstan’s College has championed a forward-thinking approach to education for over a century, with the opening vision of our Catford school in 1888 being to provide a curriculum “in advance of the present time.” Our first Headmaster, Charles Maddock Stuart, was a pioneer in heuristic (hands-on) education, designing the College to have science laboratories for students to discover learning themselves, the first school in the country to do so, and to devote significant time to hands-on scientific

practical experiments for students to innovate and “do”, rather than passively observe. St Dunstan’s continued to champion student-led learning before the 20th Century, with fieldwork in Geography, Mathematical applications, and conversation classes in Modern Foreign Languages, so that a St Dunstan’s education would empower students to be active participants in the world. Subsequent Headmasters diversified our curriculum further; Frank Forder

introduced outdoor activities and sport into the curriculum, and John Usherwood took great efforts to update the College’s wider facilities to prepare pupils for whatever challenges lay ahead, through a care of students as individuals. William Hecker’s belief in resilience and creativity saw the College thrive during various evacuations of the Second World War. Our modern Senior School Curriculum builds on the legacy of these four founding Headmasters.

‘Senior students are efficient and effective independent learners, who grasp every opportunity both within and beyond the curriculum to further their knowledge and understanding’ Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2019

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I ACADEMIC LIFE

‘My favourite subjects are Geography, History and Religion, Philosophy & Ethics. I enjoy the discussion and debate we can have in the lessons’ Year 9 student

The Hecker Core Curriculum

We teach a broad range of subjects from Year 7 onwards, with students engaging with subject specialists who are passionate about learning and teaching throughout their time in the Senior School.

The Stuart Additional Curriculum

Our independence as a school allows us great opportunities to go beyond the Core Curriculum syllabus; our Additional Curriculum teaches students vital questioning and critical thinking skills for wherever their futures take them, and prepares them for adult life.

The Forder Co-Curricular Programme

Our broad offering of clubs forms a vital part of our education of students, which we proudly cement as a central part of each school day; we encourage our students to engage with new and developing interests throughout their journeys with us, coached and mentored by specialists.

Usherwood Pastoral Care

We continue to know that student health and wellbeing underpin positive learning and academic success, with our state-of-the-art Wellness Centre, Peer Mentoring programme, Mental Health First Aiders, and excellent tutors who know their students as individuals.

Students entering the College embark on an educational journey of curiosity, studying a wide range of subjects, enhancing their study skills, and committing to a variety of co-curricular activities, before any specialism. We believe that this wide-ranging, ambitious, and forward-thinking approach to education sets up a lifetime of inquisitive independence, allowing our students to approach new and challenging concepts with courage and conviction. As a College we do not rush to make judgment on individual destinations or talents, but help individuals discover them through their time with us. From Year 7, our students are encouraged to explore and progress in all subjects, skills sets, and cocurricular areas, not just in those they arrive more confident in. We know that this liberal approach to education

promotes individual self-awareness, and ultimately stronger outcomes in wherever a child’s journey takes them. Fundamentally, we recognise the importance of teaching the child as an individual; only in this way will students develop the confidence to make positive choices about their futures, drawing on well-developed and wide-ranging knowledge, skills and interests. Above all, we teach our students to think, problem-solve, and be active partners in their learning. Our innovative culture of Learning Scores - where students are rewarded for their approach to learning and able to influence their termly grades through their own choices - demonstrates our belief that firm foundations of values and attitude, lead to later success.

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

THE HECKER CURRICULUM I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

THE HECKER CORE CURRICULUM Students in Year 7 explore a wealth of content, from Aristotle to Zebras, studying 17 subjects, each taught in dedicated and specialist classrooms by expert teachers. Students take:

In Year 8, students chose which Modern Foreign Language to take forward in lessons, with some choosing to continue with two, on our dual-linguist track.

English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computing, Classics (including Latin), Geography, History, Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, Art, Design and Technology, Drama, Music, Physical Education and Games, and two Modern Foreign Languages (from a choice of Spanish, French and German).

In Year 10, students choose 10 GCSEs, including a core of English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics through either the Double or Triple Science pathway), and one or two Modern Foreign Languages. The remaining subjects are chosen by students with careful guidance from our teachers and careers department.

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

We set around an hour of homework each day, this increasing as students continue through the College, and we report regularly to parents on their child’s progress. This is enough to support our high academic ambitions for students, but not so as to stifle the teaching of subjects in all their richness by the continual measurement of progression data across the curriculum. Our teaching and learning in classrooms aims to develop intellectual curiosity, literacy, numeracy and digital fluency, and

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I THE HECKER CURRICULUM

we strive to enhance positive collaboration, independence of mind, and strategies for academic and wider organisation and study. In line with our founders, the Hecker Core Curriculum is taught by teachers who expect students to think, rather than simply do. In this way, students develop robust skills and habits of learning that will benefit them long after they have achieved the strong grades their classroom endeavour will no doubt merit.

‘Pupils are used to a culture of evaluation and for this reason have no fear of failure’ Independent Schools Inspectorate 2019

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

THE STUART PROGRAMME I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

THE STUART ADDITIONAL CURRICULUM Adorning the white means looking to the world beyond the curriculum boundaries, and our freedom as an independent school allows us to devote significant teaching time to the teaching of the whole person. Our students learn a wide range of strategies for success in our Additional Curriculum, engaging with our Skills for Life programme from Year 7 onwards: Year 7-9:

Futures

Year 7:

Interpersonal Skills and Yoga

Year 8:

First Aid

Year 9:

Cooking and Domestic Skills

We also teach critical thinking skills through our outward-looking Global Perspectives courses, where students research and engage with contrasting views on globally important challenges. The Global Perspectives themes are: Year 7: Family, Humans and other species, Rights and Changing Communities Year 8: Digital World, Disease and Health Year 9: Trade, Conflict and Peace, Changing Communities Students also participate in our Opening Minds lecture series, where experts talk on matters outside our schemes of learning, including such topics as conservation, authoring books and psychotherapy.

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

‘It is not so much what a child learn that is important, it is how they learn it’ Dr Stuart – former Headmaster

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I THE STUART PROGRAMME

Our Additional Curriculum also looks to life beyond St Dunstan’s, and our students are guided through important higher education and careers decisions in Skills for Life, the annual Careers Symposium, and various Futures Days. UCAS journeys are supported by an extensive programme, underpinned by one-to-one advice. Each year we mentor students towards successful applications to world-renowned universities and courses, including Medicine, Veterinary Science, and Oxbridge.

Top 15 university destinations in the past two years: University of Oxford University of Cambridge Durham University King’s College London SOAS University of London Newcastle University Exeter University Bristol University Imperial College London London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) Birmingham University University College London (UCL) Leeds University Manchester University

THE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE (LRC) Our LRC is the hub of independent study and learning support within the College. It has a fantastic range of resources to help students delve deeper into topics beyond their lessons, as well as a range of fiction and non-fiction books, digital media and current affairs publications. There is wifi throughout, with spaces and charging facilities for laptops (available for students to borrow), as well as a suite of desktop computers. Students are welcome to print, photocopy, or else receive specific support from our Graduate-in-Residence, or from one of our team of Academic Mentors.

‘One of my favourite things about St Dunstan’s is the different clubs and activities on offer. This year, I have joined the Equality Society. I really like that it is student led and we can discuss things that affect us both in school and also the outside world’ Year 9 pupil

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

THE FORDER PROGRAMME I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

THE FORDER

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME The Forder Programme at St Dunstan’s is named after our second Headmaster, the Reverend Forder. He believed passionately that schools should offer more to young people than classroom learning and introduced a pioneering programme of ‘outside activities’. The students could stay behind after College on three afternoons each week to pursue their passions, with the stated aim being the development of character, rather than simply the acquisition of knowledge. This philosophy still impacts on every student journey. The Forder Programme is the name given to our co-curriculum, because it is a central part of every student experience, and not viewed as ‘extra’ at all. Our community values its importance and students understand that committing to an ambitious programme is an investment in their own development. This ambitious and forward-thinking programme offers opportunities for character development, in its broadest possible context. This is reflected in the way the programme is organised - with all activities in one of five profiles - each one based on a College value:

Courage: Combined Cadet Force (CCF), Duke of Edinburgh & Adventurous Activity.

Curiosity: Academic Enrichment, Student Societies & Clubs.

Creativity: Art, Dance, Design, Drama & Music. Compassion: Charity, Community Service, Volunteering & Leadership.

Core: Core Sports, Development Sports & Wellness.

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

Students can choose from between 100-150 different activities each term. In the spirit of our College motto, we are consistent with our expectation that students will ‘adorn the white’ by being ambitious with their planning, having the courage to try new things and then committing wholeheartedly to their programme. High levels of commitment require support, and we regularly send attendance reports to our pastoral team, who encourage students to reflect on their journey, to maximise its impact. Beyond this, each student has the freedom to map out their own individual, unique journey and make their own choices based on their own interests.

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I THE FORDER PROGRAMME

‘I was amazed at the number of activities we can get involved in as part of the Forder Programme’ Year 8 student

The school day is structured to support the delivery of such an extensive programme, with a timetabled slot after lunch dedicated to co-curricular activity. Whilst most activities take place at this time, there are also a selection of clubs that operate before school from 0730-0815 and after school from 1615-1730. Students that commit to some of the higher profile co-curricular areas, such as Sport, Drama, Music and the CCF, will also benefit from opportunities on Saturday mornings. Our Forder Prospectus includes more information about the Programme.

‘The Forder Programme at St Dunstan’s has inspired me to try new things, push my boundaries and step out of my comfort zone’ Year 10 student a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

USHERWOOD PASTORAL CARE I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

USHERWOOD PASTORAL CARE We recognise that students will thrive when they feel happy and supported. It is with this in mind that our Usherwood pastoral care is fully integrated throughout our teaching and learning structure to ensure that we effectively and positively meet the individual personal, social, emotional and academic needs of our students. We know that strong working relationships between students and the staff who are there to support them, are essential and our timetable is structured so that each school day begins and ends with at least 30 minutes of form time. This gives ample time for form tutors and heads of year to develop positive relationships

with students so that they know and understand them as individuals. This time is used by our form tutors for form activities, the delivery of our PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) and one-to-one consultations to review academic progress and personal development. At St Dunstan’s we structure everything we do around providing first-rate care and support to our students. We are forward-thinking in our approach to pastoral care and work in partnership with a fully trained and invested staff, the children themselves, and their parents and carers.

‘Students have a positive outlook and are clear that they can become whoever they want to be in the school’s open and supportive environment’ Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2019

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I THE WELLNESS CENTRE

THE WELLNESS CENTRE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT Strong, supportive relationships are at the heart of our approach to pastoral care, and further contribute to the sense of community felt around the College. We understand that meaningful early intervention is the best way of preventing mental illness from developing and mitigating its effects when it does; to this end, we have undertaken an ambitious programme of training Youth Mental Health First Aiders amongst our teaching and support staff and Sixth Form students. This nationally accredited training programme ensures that students at St Dunstan’s have a number of educated, caring adults and young people, to whom they can turn when they need additional support. Pastoral support is provided constantly throughout the College, in classrooms, during co-curricular activities and in the corridors. However, we are also very proud to have a dedicated Wellness Centre - The Pavilion. The Pavilion provides a hub of services, including the College Nurse and Healthcare Team, the College Chaplaincy, the College Counsellors, our Peer Mentors and our Youth Mental Health First Aiders. Additionally, The Pavilion provides our students with much-needed break-out space; the large, inviting reception area with its café-style seating is in near-constant use by students during break and lunch times, and during study periods. We know that some young people have needs that cannot be met through school-sponsored early support, which is why we have built links with outside agencies and charities, including Lewisham Compass and the South London and Maudsley Hospital, to provide additional specialist support where needed.

‘You always know you have someone to talk to and the staff at the Wellness Centre are always there for you’ Year 9 student

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

INCLUSIVITY I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

INCLUSIVITY IN THE CLASSROOM All students at St Dunstan’s College are supported throughout their journey to achieve their full potential, and are supported by teachers where there are any individual student needs, be they from an educational, medical, or pastoral background. Our principle is to ensure that all students are able to thrive within the College, in their lessons and partaking in all that we offer. We passionately believe that students learn best when included within activities, and that students can see their learning taken further beyond the classroom through a variety of ambitious enrichment opportunities. In the Senior School, there is a dedicated Learning Support Coordinator, overseen by our College Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo), both of whom work closely with our pastoral and medical teams. We also

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

have a College English as an Additional Language (EAL) Coordinator, and our Head of Scholars and Deputy Head Academic, work with our academic departments to ensure students are stretched and challenged in ambitious lessons. Students and parents with any individual pupil need are met with regularly to ensure that our approach is personalised for each context, and to feed into our tailoring of teaching to best include students into the busy life of St Dunstan’s. Our teachers are proud of their inclusive teaching, making purposeful adjustments to their classrooms and activities in line with Learning Support Profiles or other recommended strategies.

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I INCLUSIVITY

‘Throughout the school, pupils develop a wide range of academic, creative, physiacl and practical skills, as a result of the College’s leadership team, who seek to give every individual a chance to work out the person they want to be’ Independent Schools Inspectorate 2019

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS St Dunstan’s was re-founded in Catford in 1888, but its origins stretch much further back than this.

Originally positioned next to the now ruined church of St Dunstan’s in the East, the College’s strong connections with the City of London and the parish church of All Hallows by the Tower in particular, go back to the 15th Century. We pride ourselves on being forwardthinking, whilst still understanding the importance of remembering our rich history and time-honoured traditions. These events are scheduled throughout the year, and present valuable opportunities for the College community to gather and celebrate. Whether it is our annual Commemoration Service in Southwark Cathedral, when we commission a train to take all staff and pupils to London Bridge, or our annual Prize Giving

ceremony at The Broadway Theatre; the annual Beating of the Bounds in the City of London, or our end of year Festival, which is a celebration of the Arts and our diverse community; these events are the highlights of our College calendar and keep us rooted in the traditions of a community that we are all proud to be a part of.

• • • • • •

Annual Service of Remembrance Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols Beating of the Bounds Commemoration Day The St Dunstan’s Festival Prize Giving

‘The annual Service of Remembrance is always a poignant moment. It is an opportunity to reflect and remember the fallen students’ Year 10 student

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS

‘Last year at the Festival, I got to take part in a five-day musical and attend a Design Technology workshop to make a key ring’ Year 7 student

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

TRIPS, EXPEDITIONS & ADVENTURES I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

TRIPS, EXPEDITIONS AND ADVENTURES Our commitment to creating opportunities for learning, self-development and growth outside of the classroom is not limited to the Forder Programme.

Each year we offer a broad range of trips to students of all ages to support the development of life skills, raise global awareness, bring academic subjects to life and create memorable, formative experiences. Whilst the nature of these trips varies significantly in terms of size and scope, each one helps our students to develop a true understanding of the world of which they are a part. The Duke of Edinburgh Award and CCF provide students with regular opportunities to get out on adventures and work as part of a team whilst exploring the great outdoors. We supplement this with regular, small scale adventurous activity expeditions, with

recent examples including climbing, mountain biking and kayaking. Our academic departments take every opportunity to bring their subjects to life, and each year we offer an exciting programme of regular day and ‘shortstay’ trips. We are fortunate to be located within a short train ride of all that London has to offer and our art, music and drama students take regular trips to the world-famous galleries, theatres and concert venues that we are so lucky to have on our doorstep. Our St Dunstan’s linguists take weekends away and immerse themselves in the cultures that they are learning about, no doubt taking advantage of the opportunities to practise their speaking

and comprehension! Our scientists and geographers put their classroom learning to the test, seeking to prove or disprove theories on field trips and expeditions, our historians visit sites of historical significance and our PE department take students to sporting events and fixtures so that they can soak up the atmosphere and dream of being there one day! We are also fortunate to be able to offer students longer and more immersive trips to locations slightly further afield. Recent examples have included a sports tour to South Africa, a Geography trip to Iceland and a scholars’ exchange to India.

‘Going to the Taj Mahal was breathtaking. I still can’t believe that I was there. Our hosts were extremely kind and welcoming, I can’t wait for them to visit us and experience our culture’ Year 10 scholar

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I TRIPS, EXPEDITIONS & ADVENTURES

‘Academic ventures such as a trip to Oxford University allowed me to explore my ideas for further education’ Year 11 student

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

TOMORROW’S LEADERS I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

TOMORROW’S LEADER’S TODAY We feel very strongly that our students should have a real say in the development of the school environment and be able to provide feedback to help us tailor and improve the academic and pastoral care we offer. Students of all ages engage in the process of bringing ideas about school improvement to life, through our Pupil Parliament. From Year 7 through to Sixth Form, our Form Representatives, Year Group Councils and Full Parliament, provide a vehicle to bring student ideas to life, whilst helping them to better understand governance and British democracy. Each year culminates in a summit where student representatives from across the

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

College meet in the Lewisham Town Hall to discuss and agree the student priorities for the upcoming academic year. There are a number of leadership opportunities and positions of responsibility throughout a St Dunstan’s student’s career. From Parliament to Prefecture, chairing a Society, to becoming an instructor in the Combined Cadet Force - there are many ways in which students can become more involved in the areas of College life that most interest them. We greatly value the outstanding contribution our students make to student-led societies and actively encourage and support them across the College as they take their first steps as a leader.

‘Students show compassion and kindness for each other and have a discernible appreciation for their community and the world beyond. They think deeply about the lives and experiences of others and about the values which are important to them and the school’ Independent Schools Inspectorate 2019

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I TOMORROW’S LEADERS

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

OUR HOUSE SYSTEM I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

OUR HOUSE SYSTEM COMPETITION FOR ALL Forder, Hecker, Stuart and Usherwood were the names of the first four Headmasters at St Dunstan’s, but now students know them as the names of each of our four houses. Each individual is allocated to a house upon arrival, and they become a part of a team, with representatives from all year groups and the staff. This community will be one of their best opportunities to collaborate with other members of the wider College community, outside of their own class and year group. Aside from the sense of community that it creates, another key characteristic of house activity at St Dunstan’s is student leadership. Throughout the year, each house meets regularly to celebrate recent successes and prepare for future events. Students play a leading role

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

not just in competition, but also in all planning and preparation. Staff support student leaders, and not the other way around. Under the stewardship of a Head of House and a team of staff, Senior House Captains take the lead, working with elected representatives from each year group to ensure that each and every student has the opportunity to make a full contribution. The programme itself is broad and diverse. All events are inclusive and enjoyable, but the emphasis of each one is slightly different. The first event all Year 7 students participate in is Silly Sports Day; for many their first opportunity to work closely with students outside of their form and the start of the team building process. House Drama, House Music and House

Art, provide many students with the opportunity to showcase their talents in high profile, final performances whilst also mentoring other house representatives, to ensure that the team and not just the individual are successful. House Debating and House Quiz are always hard fought and hosted in front of large student audiences, and then the competition builds to a crescendo finishing with Sports Day; an event that every student is part of. Results and significant achievements are updated regularly, and then announced in the final assembly each term. Each contribution that is made could be the difference to who lifts the prestigious cup.

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I OUR HOUSE SYSTEM

‘My favourite part of St Dunstan’s is the house competitions, which have helped me unlock courage, compassion, creativity, curiosity, and confidence. I have found a strong passion for my house, and a desire to beat Hecker. It is very fun arguing with my friends about the best house’ Year 7 student

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

SCHOOL GROUNDS I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

SCHOOL GROUNDS A London day school surrounded by green space.

St Dunstan’s College is ideally positioned: within 15 minutes by train from London Bridge or Charing Cross, it is set in 68 acres of land across two sites, accessible within walking distance. Our magnificent historic buildings, dating back to our 1888 foundation, sit comfortably alongside the most recent 21st Century developments.

Great Hall The Great Hall of St Dunstan’s is the physical and symbolic heart of the College. It has had extensive renovation in recent years including a new organ, sound and lighting system. The Great Hall serves multiple purposes for our College and wider community, including regular assemblies, events, musicals and plays. It is also the home to the permanent memorial to the hundreds of Dunstonians who lost their lives in the Great Wars. The magnificent stained glass, depicting the varied life of St Dunstan, is a wonderful focal point for our work at the College.

State-of-the-art classrooms In 2018 we began a rolling programme of classroom refurbishments, modernising these essential spaces with innovative technology, furniture and fittings, whilst retaining the beauty of their 130-year-heritage.

Learning Resource Centre Juxtaposing new and contemporary thinking with a rich heritage, is at the heart of what makes St Dunstan’s unique. Our Learning Resource Centre fuses the traditional library with digital resources, a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) setting and dedicated collaborative and silent study spaces, as well as facilities for academic enrichment and specialist support.

Hub for Inclusion and Enrichment Extensive modifications to our historic library have created a contemporary learning support facility, including dedicated

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I SCHOOL GROUNDS

collaborative and silent study spaces, as well as facilities for academic enrichment and specialist support.

Wellness Centre St Dunstan’s has developed a unique, dedicated facility known as the Wellness Centre, to serve as a hub for student mental and physical health services. The Wellness Centre – sometimes known as The Pavilion – is home to First Aid and medical support, counselling and psycho-therapy, peer mentoring, chaplaincy support, and also features spaces for students to be still and reflect.

Jubilee Ground In addition to the facilities contained on our main school site, the College also owns the Jubilee Ground – 23 acres of playing fields in the centre of Catford, a three minute walk from the College site. Students have access to natural cricket, football and rugby pitches as well as a number of high-quality MUGAs (Multi-use Games Areas) providing opportunities to play hockey, football, netball and rugby.

Leisure Centre Students have access to a wide range of sporting opportunities across both our sites, both for competitive sport, training and for leisure. Our sporting facilities include two large playing fields on the main College site, a sports hall, gym and fitness studio and a 33 metre indoor swimming pool.

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

OUR AMBITIOUS FUTURE I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

OUR NEW AMBITIOUS SCHOOL St Dunstan’s College is currently undergoing its most significant redevelopment since its foundation in 1888.

The west side of the College is being transformed into an architecturally stunning Junior School, an eagerly anticipated Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Block and a new Sixth Form Centre, intended to become an independent hub for all of our Year 12 and Year 13 students.

with access to cutting-edge facilities and specialist teaching rooms. It is important to us to uphold the pioneering efforts of our founding Headmaster, Charles Maddock Stuart, who developed amongst the very first school science laboratories for practical experiments on offer in any school.

The STEM Block will transform our historical roots of inspiring technical creativity and innovation into a cohesive and modern curriculum

The heart of our STEM Block will be home to our new Sixth Form Centre with a central atrium modelled on university-style architecture with large,

independent study spaces and an exclusive Sixth From Café with both inside and outside seating areas. We believe our Sixth Form students should foster a sense of independence and maturity as they transition into the wider world of higher education. We are also planning to complete a new Performing Arts Centre (PAC), and a Plaza at the back of the College, which will be both a CCF Parade Square and an outdoor performance venue.

4 7 5

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

KEY 1. STEM Block 2. Sixth Form Hub 3. Junior School MUGA 4. Junior School 5.’The Plaza’ 6. Sport and Leisure Centre 7. Performing Arts Centre

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I OUR AMBITIOUS FUTURE

‘This represents the most significant redevelopment of our college sites since our foundation in Catford, in 1888. I feel sure our founders and benefactors would be proud of the innovative new buildings that are being constructed, as records show they were intent that a St Dunstan’s education should be ‘ahead of the current time’ Mr Hewlett - Headmaster

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

ADMISSIONS I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

ADMISSIONS Students who wish to enter the Senior School at St Dunstan’s College can do so either at 11+ (entry in Year 7) or 13+ (entry in Year 9). At 11+, candidates sit a series of online Independent School Examination Board (ISEB) assessments relating to English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning in the January of Year 6. These online aptitude tests are adaptive and take into account the age of the applicant. Students can only sit these tests once in a period of 12 months preceding our January entrance test. In addition, all candidates experience both a taught English lesson during which they complete a short creative writing task, as well as an activity which gives them a clear understanding of what being a student at St Dunstan’s would be like. Finally, to round off the experience, all candidates stay for a delicious lunch prepared by our caterers, Holroyd Howe. Given the nature of our online assessments, no alternative assessment date is available. It is also worth noting that a school reference is requested from the applicant’s current Headteacher.

At 13+, candidates sit a series of assessments relating to English, Mathematics and Reasoning. In addition, all candidates experience a taught Science lesson, during which they complete a short problem solving task. From time to time, occasional places do become available in other year groups, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you are considering a change of school or if you are relocating to London from abroad for instance. The diverse and international make-up of our College community makes us particularly attractive to families moving back to the UK.

Key dates for entry into Year 7 in September 2021

Key dates for entry into Year 9 in September 2021

(All details can be found in our separate Admissions booklet):

Online Registration Deadline:

Bursary Application Deadline:

27 November 2020 (1600) 4 December 2020 (1600)

Assessment day: 6 January 2021

27 November 2020 (1600) 4 December 2020 (1600)

Assessment day: 13 January 2021

Interviews

Offer Letters posted by 1st class: Thursday 11 February 2021 Post Offer events: week commencing 22 February 2021 Acceptance deadline: 5 March 2021 (1600)

Offer Letters posted by 1st class: Thursday 11 February 2021 Post Offer event: 23 February 2021 Acceptance deadline: 1 March 2021

General: week commencing 18 January 2021 Academic Interviews: 16 and 23 January 2021 Art scholarship: 16 January 2021 Drama scholarship: 23 January 2021 Music scholarship: 15 & 16 January 2021 Sport Scholarship: 14 and 15 January 2021

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

General: 25 and 26 January 2021 Academic scholarship: 16 and 23 January 2021 Art Scholarship: 16 January 2021 Drama Scholarship: 23 January 2021 Music Scholarship: 15 & 16 January 2021 Sports Scholarship: 18 January 2021

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I ADMISSIONS

Scholarships

St Dunstan’s College offers various Scholarships for Senior School students. At 11+, Academic and Co-Curricular Scholarships are available, with each Scholarship being either minor (10% fee remission) or major (25% fee remission). Students are able to hold multiple Scholarships, with a maximum 35% remission. Scholarships are awarded with the intention that they are held by the student throughout their time in the Senior School. All applicants to the College at 11+ and 13+ are automatically considered for an Academic Scholarship; there is no separate application process. Following the 11+ assessment day, selected applicants are invited to attend specific Academic Scholarship group interviews with our teachers, and usually are in Maths, English, as well as a general interview. There is no specific preparation required for these. Academic Scholars at St Dunstan’s have access to an additional Scholarship Programme, overseen by our Head of Scholars, with various trips and excursions to places of educational interest. Scholars are also supported and mentored through regular meetings with senior staff. We offer Co-Curricular Scholarships at 11+ and 13+ entry in Art, Music, Drama, and Sport for applicants who show exceptional talent and potential in these areas of College life. Co-Curricular Scholars have access to additional support, training, and programmes as part of their Scholarship, and are mentored by named specialists within the respective department. Please refer to the website for further details on how to apply for these competitive and prestigious awards. Academic and Co-Curricular Scholarships are also available for Sixth Form entry, with full details available in our Sixth Form Prospectus and on our website.

Bursaries

The College is committed to offering as many means-tested (Bursary) places as it possibly can at both 11+ and 13+, so that families who could not otherwise send their children to an independent school may be able to do so. Typically, both parents need to be in employment, unless they are prevented from being so, and they are both required to provide proof of their income and assets. The level of support varies according to parental need, but can extend to full fee remission in some cases. A bursary can also be awarded in addition to a scholarship. To qualify for consideration for a bursary, the gross family income must be below £75,000 per annum. Each case is assessed on its own merits and awards are made accordingly. Every year, the number of bursary applicants greatly exceeds the amount of funding available – bursaries are therefore awarded on the basis of academic merit. To assist in reviewing all bursary applications, we use an external company to produce bursary financial reports as well as conduct home visits, in some cases. Bursaries are offered for a whole academic year, but are reviewed annually. Bursaries are only offered to families who are resident in the UK. Please visit our website to read our full Admissions Policy and Further Guidance for more details.

Fees Part of the acceptance of a place at St Dunstan’s College is the payment of a deposit of £1250. This deposit is non-refundable under any circumstances. Fees are reviewed annually by Governors and any increase is kept to an absolute minimum. Fees for the year ahead are confirmed each year at the end of the Lent Term (around Easter time). Fees cover the cost of normal tuition as well as most books and stationery. Costs for lunches and voluntary items such as individual music lessons, are additional. For entry in September 2021, fees are as follows:

Michaelmas Senior School Years 7-13

£5,933

Lent & Trinity £6,141

Annual £18,215

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

ADMISSIONS I S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S

DISCOVER ST DUNSTAN’S VISITING THE COLLEGE We recommend prospective families visit the school on as many occasions as they can, in order to meet students and staff in various settings. This year, in response to the global pandemic, the College will be hosting a series of smaller ‘Discover St Dunstan’s’ events that will allow prospective families to visit the site safely and following social distancing guidelines. Families will have the opportunity to tour the College before attending a Q&A session with the Headmaster, or a member of the Senior Leadership Team. There will also be a series of virtual events with the Leadership Team for prospective families to join from the comfort of their own home. In addition, we organise a Classroom Experience Day and a Co-Curricular Experience Day over two Saturday mornings during May – these sessions are specifically aimed at Year 5 pupils and their parents who can attend a series of sessions taught by our inspiring teachers: sessions on offer have included in the past a Greek lesson, a Geography lesson or a team building exercise on an outdoor giant obstacle course. Please check our website regularly for updates on our May 2021 events.

Director of Admissions: Mrs Isabelle Blake-James Head of Admissions: Ms Anika Kothari Admissions Assistant: Ms Georgina Morrison admissions@stdunstans.org.uk 020 8516 7200

w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

S T D U N S TA N ’ S S E N I O R S C H O O L P R O S P EC T U S I ADMISSIONS

a d m i s s i o n s @ s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k

St a n s t e a d Ro a d , Lo n d o n S E 6 4 T Y A c o - e d u c a t i o n a l , i n d e p e n d e n t C o l l e g e fo r a g e s 3 t o 1 8 w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o r g . u k 020 8516 7200 Charity Number: 312747

An ambitious, forward-thinking w w w. s t d u n s t a n s . o rg . u k community that inspires and supports individuals to thrive